Felicia Williams Withdraws From Assembly Race, Will Stand for Re-Election in Council District 2

In an email Friday morning, Pasadena Vice Mayor Felicia Williams announced she has withdrawn from the California State Assembly District 41 race and instead will stand for re-election to her current City Council seat in District 2.

“After much thought and hearing from my constituents, friends, and supporters, I have decided, to run for re-election to the Pasadena City Council. With a majority of the Council seats up for election in 2024, I think we need stability and continuity on the Council to finish the great work that Mayor Gordo started in 2020,” Williams wrote.

Williams said she plans to continue her “thoughtful and balanced approach” to City policy where she listens to all perspectives to inform her decisions.

She also thanked all of her supporters who are continuing to support her through this transition, including Senator Anthony Portantino.

Williams said that she has learned so much from the Foothill and High Desert communities during her Assembly campaign that she will incorporate into her professional and Council work to ensure they have a strong voice in Sacramento.

Williams faces Rick Cole, a former Pasadena Mayor and Councilmember and a current Planning Commissioner.

Reacting early Friday, Cole told Pasadena Now “We will continue to run a positive, issues-oriented, grassroots campaign. The voters of District Two will decide who is most committed to represent them at Pasadena City Hall.”